Cross these bridges when you come to Epirus, Greece!

Bridges bring people and cultures together. The stone bridges of Greece are mostly built in rugged landscapes and stand as architectural masterpieces of superb craftsmanship. They are associated with legends, with local traditions and sometimes even with tragic stories. The rocky paths of Epirus take us past some well-hidden historic stone bridges. To find them, you may need to swim in large rivers, walk along riverbanks or just follow city roads. At times, sheep and goats will lead the way; at others signposts or downhill trails will point you in the right destination!

If you are looking for adventure, put on your hiking boots and pack your gear. The journey starts at dawn! But if you are a city-lover and interested in traditional architecture, just follow us!

Ioánnina

Kayak down the Árahthos gorge and pass under the impressive multi-arch Papastáthis bridge, or join a rafting party to see the biggest single arch bridge in Greece, in a village near the city of Ioánnina.

When you are in Ioannina itself, why not enjoy a long afternoon promenade around Lake Pamvótis? Visit the city’s fortress “Kástro” and wander around the Its-Kalé Acropolis to find the Fetihé Mosque built by Ali Pashá during the Turkish occupation. Tour the Archaeological and the Epirus Folklore Art museums, or visit art exhibitions in the city’s galleries. Savour a delicious meal at exquisite dining spots near the lake. Find gifts of fine antique jewelry in the old town, where centuries-old houses and jewelry shops create a wonderful cityscape. If you are interested in old monasteries or exceptional traditional cuisine, take a small boat and visit the isle of Ioánnina, in the northeastern part of the city’s lake.

Zayorohória

Hike along the Wine Roads of Northern Greece in the mountain village of Zítsa, a place praised by Lord Byron in his famous poem “Childe Harold”. Theoyéfiro, a natural stone bridge, is the area’s most striking wonder.

Tour around the Zayorohoria villages using the bridges as your signposts. Hit the trails that connect the villages Pápigo and Mikró Pápigo through the Vikos-Aoós National Forest, and have an invigorating swim in the two natural forest lakes. Follow the mountain trails to Kípi, an ideal mountain tourism destination: cross its two rivers (Vikákis and Baniótikos) using the Kaloyerikó (or Plakidas), a three arch bridge with a serpentine deck. Trekking through the Asprággeli, Dikóryfo, Manassís and Kaloutás villages, you will find the Kaloutás bridge, which used to join the village to the Vissikoú Monastery (dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary).

In the heart of Vovoúsa settlement, in eastern Zagori, a single arch stone bridge spans the Aoós river. The village is an ideal destination for bird watching, or other voluntary activities as it is located near the National Park of Valia Kalda, a protected forest populated with rare species of flora and fauna.

Árta

The city of Arta is located on the banks of the River Árahthos, and its name is associated with a historic bridge. According to an old legend, the chief craftsman had to sacrifice his wife in order to construct this bridge, since otherwise it would collapse every night. The bridge is 145m long and has 12 arches, one for each Apostle.

Peer into the past at the city’s archaeological sites, which include sections of the ancient walls of Amvrakía, a Byzantine Castle, an open-air municipal theatre and the Faik Pasha Mosque. Visit the city’s museums, old churches and monasteries or go on a day-trip to nearby destinations, such as the villages of Vlahérna, or Péta to taste the local tsípouro and traditional cuisine. In the village of Voulyaréli, a fairy is waiting for you as she bathes under her bridge, the Neráida (fairy) bridge.

Thesprotía

Final destination: the prefecture of Thesprotia and the village of Plakotí. Go canyonning at “Stená” canyon, near the River Kalamás. The river was bridged with a 40m multi-arch bridge, but only one of its side arches still stands on the left bank of the river, while there is a now dilapidated edge pier on the opposite bank.

Finally, if you’d like to set out on a hiking expedition, discover the ruins of the city Osdína, near the village of Pénte Ekklisiés (Five Churches), which dates back to late Byzantine times, or visit some old monasteries such as the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour (Metamorfosis tou Sotiros), and the Panayión Monastery, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

Visitgreece.gr is the official tourism web site for Greece, run by the Greek National Tourism Organisation, where you'll find information on the main tourist destinations, such as cities, beaches, as well as activities, events and much more!